Now that condos are rising where cows...

Now that condos are rising where cows and horses once grazed, and malls are dominant even in the country, it has become increasingly difficult to find and relate to the animals who were once a familiar part of our environment.

Of course, there are fine zoos in Southern California--Los Angeles’ own in Griffith Park, Santa Ana’s and San Diego’s to the south and Santa Barbara’s to the north.

But here are 10 esoteric locales where you can see, meet and greet some of the usual and unusual of the animal world.

Very few of these animals make good pets, but it is through familiarity with their habits and habitats that we learn to understand them and live compatibly with them.

Bald Eagle Cruise--Lake Cachuma, Highway 154. The Lake Cachuma cruise (through March 4) lasts two hours; it offers the opportunity to see--from a distance--bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys and blue herons in the air. Black-tailed deer, wild pigs and bobcats can be seen on the shore. The tours leave at 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, at 10 a.m. on weekends. (Additional tours at 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.) Bring binoculars and jackets. Advance reservations suggested. Cost is $8 per adult, $5 for children under 12. Call (805) 568-2460.

Casa de Tortuga Turtle and Tortoise Refuge--About 400 turtles and tortoises have been raised or rescued by Jean Voushall, who conducts free one-hour tours of the infirmaries and reserve at 10 a.m. daily except Sunday. The compound is located in Fountain Valley, about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. No address is published since “drop-in-company” is discouraged. Call (714) 962-0612 for reservations.

Catalina Inland Motor Tour--On this 28-mile bus trip you’ll see unspoiled nature--free-roaming buffalo, goats, boar and possibly even a bald eagle. Pure-bred Arabian horses perform at El Rancho Escondido, one of the scheduled stops. The trip, which leaves from Avalon daily at 9 a.m., lasts 3 3/4 hours. As of Jan. 1, rates are $17 for adults, $9.50 for children 5-11, $14 for seniors 55 and over; no charge for those under 5. Call (800) 4-AVALON. Reservations are advised.

El Dorado Nature Center--7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach, (213) 421-9431, Ext. 3415. Located at the El Dorado East Regional Park, this is an 80-acre forested sanctuary inhabited by small animals--weasels, raccoons and foxes. There are hiking trails, lakes, marshes, meadows and a stream. The museum, located on an island, provides maps for self-guided tours. Admission is free. There is a $2 parking fee on weekdays, $3 on weekends. The park is open 7 a.m. to dusk. The trails are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Monday.

International Guiding Eyes--13445 Glenoaks Blvd., Sylmar, (818) 362-5834. Animal shelters, pet shops and dog shows offer opportunities to see many varieties of dogs, the oldest of the domesticated animals. But at the International Guiding Eye facility, you can see what these animals are doing for humans in need. With prior notice, one-hour tours of this five-acre facility can be arranged for 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The tour includes the breeding and puppy areas and the dormitories for students and their dogs. (For group tours of 10 or more they need 30-day advance notice.)

Jett’s Petting Zoo--Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro. Situated adjacent to Ports O’ Call Village is a small, intimate, immaculate petting zoo run by three generations of animal lovers. If you want to see this facility within the next few weeks, you must make it this weekend. After Jan. 1, the zoo will close for two months to give the animals a rest from the zoo visitors. Most of the baby animals were born on the Jett ranch east of Los Angeles, and because they have been socialized since birth, they are people-oriented and very friendly. “Rocky,” a giant Aldabra land tortoise weighing more than 300 pounds, acts as a greeter. Inside you’ll likely see young pygmy goats frolicking with a miniature Zebu, the sacred bull of India. There are several generations of llamas, toucans, parrots, cockatiels, wallabies (some still in the mother’s pouch), baby goats, and even miniature ant eaters. Admission is 75 cents. Open today, Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Moorpark College Exotic Animal Compound--7075 Campus Park Drive, Moorpark, (805) 378-1441. Moorpark College, located at the west end of Highway 118, offers a training program for students interested in becoming zoo keepers or animal trainers. Students demonstrate their techniques and answer questions each Sunday at 3 p.m. at the school’s outdoor theater. Performers include ponies, sea lions, parrots and a baboon. Before the show, children are permitted to touch some animals at a petting zoo (admission 50 cents) that is open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission to the show is $2 for adults, $1 for children 12 or younger.

Rent-a-Pony and Farm--8101 Tampa Ave., Reseda, (818) 431-6805, (818) 341-2770. Animals usually found on a farm roam free here for the enjoyment of the public. Happily nuzzling and awaiting tidbits (available for 50 cents per bag) are goats, sheep, rabbits, pigs, swans, chickens, geese, horses, a llama and an emu. There are ponies to ride ($2 per ride) and a picnic area. Admission is $2.50 per person; children under 1 free. The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays.

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary--29322 Modjeska Canyon Road, Modjeska Canyon (south of Irvine Lake), (714) 649-2760. For bird lovers, this is a delight. An observation porch offers the opportunity to view the feeding of hummingbirds and at least 25 other varieties of birds. A naturalist is available to discuss the habits and interesting traits of the year-round boarders. You can explore the 13 acres of the sanctuary, which is home for frogs, salamanders, snakes and other small animals. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $1.50.

Wildlife Waystation--14831 Little Tujunga Canyon Road, Angeles National Forest, (818) 899-5201. Under the direction of Martine Colette, this is a working facility caring for animals in need. At present there are about 1,000 animals including lions, tigers, leopards and bears. This nonprofit refuge offers tours on the first and third Sundays of each month from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Requested donation: $2 per adult, $1 per child.